Victoria's snap lockdown has forced changes to the first round of the National Wheelchair Basketball League to start at Shellharbour City Stadium in NSW tonight.
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Victorian-based players unable to make the trip up to NSW, many of whom were planning to fly out just before the lockdown began, were set to play for a number of sides from different states this weekend.
Founding Roller Hawk Tristan Knowles was set to return and play for the Sureway Wollongong Roller Hawks this season but has been unable to make the trip this weekend.
There are even greater consequences for the Sydney Metro Blue Hornets who were set to pick up a number of players from Victoria this season after Kilsyth opted not to play this season.
As a result, Sydney will not field a team this weekend causing Basketball Australia to rework the schedule.
There will now be just one game to be played tonight with the Roller Hawks kicking things off against Queensland at 7:30pm.
There are still four games on Saturday and now only two games on Sunday.
"It's disappointing that the Victorian players can't make it, but the league has been able to work swiftly to ensure we still have a great round of basketball at Shellharbour this weekend," Roller Hawks President Geoff Adams said.
"The Roller Hawks will still have four games including two now against arch rivals Perth. We're hoping for plenty of support over the weekend and will be encouraging everyone to be COVID safe.
"We will endeavour to keep everyone informed of any changes that might occur but hopefully the season can begin without too much more disruption."
Revised schedule (all games at Shellharbour City Stadium) _
Friday, 7.30pm Wollongong Roller Hawks v Queensland Spinning Bullets.
Saturday, 10 am: Perth Wheelcats v Queensland Spinning Bullets.
Midday: U23s Spinners v Wollongong Roller Hawks.
5pm: Queensland Spinning Bullets v U23s Spinners.
7pm: Wollongong Rollerhawks v Perth Wheelcats.
Sunday, 9 am: Queensland Spinning Bullets v U23s Spinners.
11am: Perth Wheelcats v Wollongong Roller Hawks.
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Julian O'Brien
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury and former editor of The Advocate (North-West Tasmania). Journalism is simply about telling good stories well and we do so now across a broader platform than ever before. Our role as a regional masthead is to not only share the stories our readers care about but to be a passionate torch bearers for community at every opportunity. We are stronger together.
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury and former editor of The Advocate (North-West Tasmania). Journalism is simply about telling good stories well and we do so now across a broader platform than ever before. Our role as a regional masthead is to not only share the stories our readers care about but to be a passionate torch bearers for community at every opportunity. We are stronger together.
